Refrigerator and Freezer Temperature Questions

Setting Question

The most common setting question is, "What is the best temperature for my refrigerator and freezer?" Manufacturers preset these temperatures to mid-range (MID) at the factory at 0 degrees F for the freezer and 37 degrees F for the refrigerator. If you want either of these appliances or compartments colder, you can adjust the freezer plus or minus 15 degrees and the refrigerator between 33 and 47 degrees. Temperature modifications take 24 hours to take effect, so wait that long before changing it again.

After the adjustments have been made, the next question is usually, "How do I check to see if the temperatures have adjusted to the new settings?" To test the adjusted temperatures in the refrigerator, place a refrigerator thermometer into a glass of water and leave the door closed for at least eight hours before checking it. Check the freezer temperature by placing the thermometer between two bags of frozen vegetables and leave the door closed for the same period before assessing the results.

When there is a power failure, the freezer becomes unplugged or the door is left open for an extended period, the question arises, "How long can my food last when the temperature significantly drops in the refrigerator or freezer?" If the door is left shut, a freezer full of food typically stays frozen enough to be safe for about two days. Food in half-full freezers lasts about a day. Refrigerator freezer compartments are not as cold as stand-alone freezers, so foods will not last as long in them, but you can group frozen foods together to keep them colder longer. Dry, block or bags of ice help preserve the food longer. When the power is restored, partially frozen food that has ice crystals in it and is 40 degrees F or less can safely be refrozen. Throw away any food that has been stored at temperatures higher than 40 degrees F for longer than two hours.

People who keep cooling appliances in garages or on porches frequently ask, "Will my refrigerator or freezer operate correctly if the external temperatures fluctuate significantly?" Temperatures below 40 degrees F may cause the appliance thermostats to malfunction. If temperatures reach heights of 100 degrees F or above, the appliance motors will run more constantly and reduce energy efficiency.